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15 April 2025 | Story Tshepo Tsotetsi | Photo Supplied
Prof Tameshnie Deane
Prof Tameshnie Deane has been appointed an Acting Judge of the Free State High Court during the Faculty of Law’s milestone 80th anniversary.

Prof Tameshnie Deane, Vice-Dean: Research, Postgraduate Studies and Internationalisation in the Faculty of Law at the University of the Free State (UFS), has been appointed as an Acting Judge of the Free State High Court. Her appointment, which runs from 14 April to 30 May 2025, marks a significant moment for the faculty, and for the university’s broader academic and judicial community.

This is not Prof Deane’s first judicial appointment. Since 2019, she has served as an Acting Judge in various High Court divisions across South Africa, an experience that has shaped her legal thinking and affirmed her position as a respected voice in both academia and the courtroom.

“This appointment is an extraordinary milestone, both personally and professionally,” she said. “These appointments signify the recognition of my expertise and contributions to the legal field and academia over the years. Serving as an Acting Judge is a profound honour that reflects the trust placed in my ability to uphold justice, engage critically with complex legal matters, and contribute meaningfully to society.”

 

Bridging theory and the bench

Prof Deane is deeply committed to the idea that legal education and legal practice are not separate paths, but two sides of the same coin. Her work as a judge, she believes, enhances her ability to shape future legal minds, while her academic background brings fresh perspective to the courtroom.

“Serving as an Acting Judge offers invaluable insights into the practical application of legal principles, enriching my research and enabling me to mentor postgraduate students with a stronger emphasis on the real-world implications of their studies,” she said.

“Additionally, this experience deepens my understanding of comparative legal systems, which aligns perfectly with my focus on fostering internationalisation. On a broader professional level, it strengthens my ability to drive impactful scholarship and innovation, while advancing the university’s mission of academic excellence and global engagement.”

She added: “My dual grounding in academia and the legal profession equips me with a multidimensional perspective. From academia, I bring a deep commitment to critical thinking, analytical rigour, and intellectual curiosity, which can enhance the depth and breadth of judicial reasoning. From the legal field, I offer pragmatic insights and an unwavering dedication to justice.”

 

Institutional pride in a milestone year

The timing of the appointment is also significant. As the UFS Faculty of Law celebrates its 80th anniversary this year, Prof Deane’s appointment offers a moment to reflect on the faculty’s role in producing legal professionals who not only understand the law but actively shape its application.

“This moment highlights the enduring legacy of excellence, leadership, and innovation that the faculty has cultivated over 80 years,” she said. “It sends a powerful message to students and young academics: that dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to both intellectual and ethical standards can pave the way to significant achievements.”

Prof Serges Kamga, Dean of the Faculty of Law, echoed this sentiment, saying of Prof Deane’s appointment: “It illustrates our faculty’s commitment to producing legal professionals who actively influence and strengthen judicial practices. It bridges academic scholarship with judicial application, demonstrating our faculty’s dedication to shaping South Africa’s legal landscape and enhancing its national and international reputation.”

 

A message to young legal minds

Prof Deane believes the appointment sends a powerful message, especially to students and early-career academics. “Preparation for such a role requires a meticulous approach – both professionally and personally,” she said. “Professionally, it involves staying current with legal developments, understanding procedural rules, and immersing oneself in the dynamics of the court and the types of cases that may arise.”

“Personally, it demands resilience, adaptability, and a steadfast commitment to justice. However, sometimes opportunities like this are also shaped by a bit of luck – being in the right place at the right time, or meeting the right people who recognise your potential. Such moments serve as a reminder to remain open to possibilities and to always put one’s best foot forward, as you never know what doors may open.”

When asked about the types of cases she hopes to preside over, Prof Deane said her focus is on approaching every matter with diligence and fairness.

“As cases are assigned to us, my focus is not on selecting specific legal issues, but rather on approaching every matter with the utmost diligence and impartiality,” she said. “Each case, regardless of its nature, carries the potential to contribute to the development of law and have a significant impact on the lives of those involved. My aim is to engage deeply with every case, ensuring that decisions are both fair and informed, while appreciating the broader implications they may have for legal precedent and societal progress.”

News Archive

Judge Ian van der Merwe unanimously re-elected as Chairperson of the UFS Council
2012-11-29

 
Judge Ian van der Merwe
Photo: Rian Horn
29 November 2012

The Council of the University of the Free State (UFS) unanimously re-elected Judge Ian van der Merwe as its Chairperson for the next three years at its last meeting for this year on Friday, 16 November 2012.

Judge Van der Merwe is a Judge of the Free State High Court. He is an alumnus of the UFS and has been a member of the Council since 9 March 2007.

In accepting his appointment, Judge Van der Merwe said that he was honoured and humbled to lead a Council of this calibre for a second term. “The Council is setting a good example of what good governance at a higher education institution should look like. Meetings are conducted in good spirit and decisions made in the best interest of the university,” he said.

“Having sat on councils of many universities before, I can say with great surety that, on balance of expertise and backgrounds, the UFS has one of the most effective councils in the country and, to have a Chairperson of Judge Van der Merwe’s stature, is a privilege. His leadership and guidance is greatly appreciated,” said Prof. Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector.

Mr Edward Kieswetter, Group CEO and Executive Director of Alexander Forbes and Deputy Chairperson of the UFS Council, and Mr Jonathan Crowther (former editor of Volksblad) have been re-elected for a further term of four years in the category: "Appointed by the Council".

External Council members were given a tour of the Bloemfontein Campus after the meeting, followed by an induction session for new council members.

New Council members who joined this year are: 

Derek Foster, in the category appointed by the Council
Ruben Gouws, elected by the non-academic staff
Lorraine Kriek, elected by the Alumni
Themba Mmabi, representative of the Minister of Higher
Education and Training
Sabelo Khumalo, SRC President, Qwaqwa Campus
William Clayton, SRC President, Bloemfontein Campus
Suraya Jawodeen, representative of the Minister of Higher
Education and Training
Mr Dan Mosia, representative of the Minister of Higher Education and Training
 

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